Was phoned on my unlisted cell phone number by someone who identified himself as "Tony Jefferson", said he was with a credit card company I recentlty applied for on-line (I applied for quite a few)' he said I was denied (which I was), he said because of new credit laws they were now going to give me a Visa Card, No monthly fee, no annual fee, 0% interest for first six months, 8% after that. $2500.00 limit to start, $3500.00 after February '05. I said, "sounds good to me". He said, there is a one-time charge of $299.95" I said, "Okay". He said they could take the money any time that was good for me, I said 12-02-04, (it was 11-24-04 when I received this call), he transferred me to someone else for the activation number for my new credit card, I copid that down. He then aid he ahd to transfer me to another department which would ask me abunch of questions and I was supposed to answer with just "Yes" or "NO" answer. I did this , didn't seem like much.
A few days after the money was taken from my account I got suspicious, I called their 'Customer Service Number" only to be put on hold , then leav a message. After sever days of this I get a person, he tells me My order was sent out 12-25-04. After days of nothing I start my phone calls again, I get a person after waiting on hold several minutes, there are kids playing in the background (answerring fron his home, I presume", he would not give me the full name of the company, said my "order" was mailed 12-15-04, then hung -up on me. In firther calls I was given a USPS tracking number which showed in fact "the package" was not ent until 12-22-04.
I receive my bank statement with this cahrge, so I call my bank saying that a charge from a rebate company is fraudulant, "rebate Company" was never in the conversation. They give a number assocaited with the account, I call it and leave a message. They call me Back and I say there charge against my account is fraudulant, they play me a doctored-up audio tape and say, "does this jog your memory?", wait for the package and if it not what you ordered, you'll get a full refund. I wait until 1-5-05 and receive, "The Package." Packed in between plastic inserts is nothing but "newspapaper" inserts! Sale Ads, Advertisements. Of course I reseal it to send it directly back to sender.
I am proceding with my back as being a fraduluant charge to my account, and the two room-mates I live with say thath the way they package it for their account with the postal service is fraudulant, so we are persuing that angle too.
Don't fall for the scam!!!
Jeff
Dixon, California
U.S.A.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish you file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 # , and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/comptroller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
[email protected]badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
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...by consumers, for consumersCLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.